Position Summary

Under general direction, assesses infants and develops and implements physical therapy treatment programs for developmental delays or physical conditions, creating personalized plans with exercises and handling techniques to build strength, mobility, and motor skills. Provides instruction to parents and collaborates with other healthcare professionals. Advocates for patients and their families. Prevents illness and injury. Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient-centered care.

Position Responsibilities

Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

Performs thorough biomechanical and feeding evaluations, including assessment of infant oral-motor function, musculoskeletal factors affecting feeding, positioning, latch mechanics, and suck-swallow-breathe coordination. Integrates and interprets evaluation findings and patient history.

Develops and administers individualized treatment plans addressing physical rehabilitation needs as well as lactation and feeding goals, incorporating evidence-based interventions to support effective breastfeeding.

Designs and implements home treatment and feeding support programs, providing counseling and education to parents/caregivers on positioning, latch optimization, infant handling, oral-motor strategies, and developmental support for feeding.

Provides lactation consultation services, including assessment of milk transfer, maternal comfort, breast/nipple concerns, pumping strategies, and feeding plans. Collaborates with IBCLCs, nursing, physicians, and other team members to support feeding success.

Participates in discharge planning, ensuring families receive appropriate feeding plans, referrals, follow-up recommendations, and coordination with outpatient providers (PT, OT, SLP, IBCLC, pediatricians).

Develops thorough documentation of initial evaluations, daily progress notes, lactation assessments, feeding plans, discharge summaries, and communication with referring providers.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):

Organizational Requirements:

Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.

Graduation from a college or university with either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Therapy, master's degree in physical therapy, post-graduate certificate in Physical Therapy, or Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Possession of license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Basic Life Support (BLS) training, or within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification within 6 months of hire.

IBCLC within 5 years of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctor of Physical Therapy

APTA Board Specialist Certification

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Advanced coursework or clinical experience in lactation, infant feeding, or perinatal care.

Experience integrating musculoskeletal, neuromotor, and oral-motor assessment into feeding support.

Familiarity with evidence-based lactation management strategies and infant feeding best practices.

Specialized training in pediatrics, neonatal care, women's health, or pelvic health.

Experience working in interdisciplinary teams supporting infant feeding or developmental care.

APTA Board Specialist Certification (Pediatrics or Women's Health) preferred.

Experience providing caregiver education related to infant development, feeding, or handling

Participation in continuing education related to lactation, infant development, or feeding therapy.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Mary Greeley Medical Center

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